Maddy Halbert, at the clothing store.

You had an entire spiel worked out as you entered Halbert’s boutique, but it immediately fell to the wayside of your mind when you saw just how high end the store was. You were no fashion expert, but from what little you did know, the clothes on sale were from some really great brands.

The second thing that completely blindsided you was Maddy Halbert herself. The woman was gorgeous and moved with a sensuous confidence as she approached you. There might have been a momentary flicker of confusion at seeing someone your age in her store, but it was quickly buried under the mask of a chipper politeness.

“Can I help you?”

You were tongue tied for a beat, but then managed to string together some semblance of a story. “Ah, yeah, yes, hi. I’m looking for a…for a suit.”

Miss Halbert nodded. “A suit, ok. Well, you came to the right place,” she gestured about, “ we have a wide selection. What’s the specific occasion?”

You blanked again, but latched onto the first thing that came to mind. “Marriage, er, married, I mean…”you composed yourself, “ a wedding. I’m going to a wedding next week.”

“Are going to be part of the bridal party?” She inquired. “ Groomsmen, perhaps?”

“Just a guest.”

She smiled thinly. “Well, let’s see if we can’t make you best looking guest there.”

Halbert led him over to a selection of suits and peppered him with questions. Black? Navy? Grey? Tie or bow-tie? Perhaps a vest? You answered robotically, going through the motions and trying on different suit jackets. It was when she went about taking your measurements that you summoned the courage to ask her about her family.

“So, Miss…Halbert, was it?” you started, “you wouldn’t happen to be related to Don Halbert, would you?”

Her movements stilled for a moment. “Unfortunately, Donald is my brother.”

“Ah cool, cool…” you felt yourself grow sweaty. “You know, I think our families might know each other a little.”

She looked up from taking the measurement of your inseam. “How so?”

“My name’s Mike, Mike Maywood.”

Maddy eyes grew hard. “You mean, Doc Maywood’s family?”

“Ahh…yeah?”

She stood up, and suddenly you felt very unsafe. “Did my brother send you here?” She demanded. “Is this one of his sick fucking jokes again?” She grabbed your collar, “him and his twisted friends and their little fucking club?”

“No,” you said, utterly confused. “No, I just…”

Her rage didn’t soften at all. “You can get the fuck out of my store, or I swear to god I’ll mace you!”

You were stunned by how quickly the woman’s mood had shifted, so raised your hands and backed out of the store slowly. You walked a block before stopping, your mind racing with all that had happened. You had proof that Don Halbert was involved with the cult, but there were so many other questions that came to mind. What were they all doing, and why was she so triggered by the mention of your grandfather?

The ring warmed on your finger, and another idea caressed your mind. But could you do that? You still felt uneasy about your previous use of the ring, but you supposed that it might be a way to get answers out of the woman. At the very least further investigation could be done.

But perhaps it wasn’t worth it, perhaps you could write the Halberts off and try one of the other leads…